Dobe Health Page - LICK GRANULOMA

REDMOND ("RED")

Redmond, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, is famous for several things. It is the home of Microsoft and Nintendo. It is also the self-described bicycle capital of the Northwest. No doubt there are millions of people all over the world who would swear that they couldn't possibly live without these items.

For myself, I've enjoyed bike riding all my life, although I haven't ridden regularly in years because I live in suburbia and I only like riding in the country. And when it comes to Nintendo, I don't believe that I've ever played anything that they have to offer. Despite the aforementioned lack of bicycle-riding activity, I never cared for video games when I could do something more active. And if I am inside, I still prefer table games and even puzzles to video games; go figure.

Of course, in the last twenty years or so things have progressed to the point that a great many of us use Microsoft. My first laptop (early 1991) was DOS-based. I really wasn't interested in Windows. But a couple of years later when I was ready for a new one, Windows was about all that was available, so I made the change. (I still have files in Wordstar that I'd like to convert.) Regardless of what system or software you use, it's hard to imagine what our lives would be like without Microsoft.

Our boy Redmond, similar to his namesake, is known for several qualities that are in great demand, at least among Doberman lovers. He's a thoroughly handsome boy who, despite his size and ruggedness, is just about as sweet and loving as they come. He came to us after his owner, who had him since a pup, had to give up his house/yard and move into a condo. As a result, he temporarily left Redmond in the care of someone who was gone 16 hours a day. This was of course hard on a dog who thrives so on association with his human, and thankfully Redmond subsequently came to Elijah's House to await his new forever home.

He's a major leaner who loves to be petted and talked to by his human. Carol says that recently as she made of him and spoke lovingly to him, he soaked it up till he was so overflowing that he showered her with kisses - not a common thing for a Doberboy to do. (My gentle, devoted, loving boy has never kissed once; he tends more to moan his delight.) "Red" pretty much lives to be loved and is a wonderfully expressive, loving boy in response.

As sometimes happens with dogs of this intelligence and desire for company, if they are left alone for extended periods (as he was) they commence to lick a spot on a paw from boredom. As the pictures show, he came to us with one such spot, a "lick granuloma." Thankfully in most cases, with regular exercise and companionship again, this clears up. One of my Doberboys back in the '70's did this. Remember, even Microsoft has its flaws!

In addition to his loving-ness, he gets along wonderfully with dogs, cats, and kids. He loves to ride in a vehicle, and he loves to be bathed. I suspect that to him it's just one more way of getting the human touch and affection that he craves so much.

So, make an appointment to meet him. If you've ever wanted (or had) a dog that is completely devoted and that just lives to receive your praise and affection - a dog who gives better than he gets from the abundance of his heart - then this may be the one for you.

Spend a little time with him, experience his sweet and loving disposition, perhaps take him home, and see if he doesn't give you more satisfaction than Microsoft or Nintendo (or even a bike) ever could.